ABSTRACT

All professionals face the challenge of identifying and balancing their individual values with the demands of the profession, clients and economic motivations. A commitment to values-driven action is best implemented by recognizing the competing influences on a professional and implementing strategies to navigate and affect outcomes that create alignment among those competing influences to achieve the professional’s aspirations and obligations to themselves, clients, colleagues and family. Giving Voice to Values seeks to apply skills and tools through case studies to build “a moral muscle memory” or habit by practicing or rehearsing action plans and possible scripts. A word of caution is appropriate before embarking on the examination of values-driven professionalism. As a person and as a lawyer, a professional must listen and understand their clients, colleagues and family, and incorporate the values and needs of these individuals into their own actions. They must create a balance between honoring the values of clients, colleagues and family and honoring their own values.